Racism Untaught Book


Authors Lisa Mercer and Terresa Moses
Foreword by Dr. Cheryl D. Miller

“Racism Untaught” details the iterative and generative research process informing the development of a framework that is meant to disrupt the status quo of the design research process and focus on the development of anti-racist designs in collaborative design environments. Mercer and Moses explore the design-led interventions introduced throughout the framework and why these approaches are foundational to disrupting normative design practice. Oftentimes, topics of racism and oppression can be difficult to process and discuss, especially in courses, work environments, and community spaces that are not typically focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion.” – Dr. and Bishop Cheryl D. Miller

Chp 1. The Framework

Chapter 1 is focused on the theoretical and applied research used to create the Racism Untaught framework and toolkit.

Chp 2. Defining Design

Chapter 2 explores how we are all designers of artifacts, systems, and experiences and how the designs we each develop affect historically oppressed communities.

Chp 3. Positionality

Chapter 3 investigates the different ways participants of the Racism Untaught framework can delve into social identities created and how these identities affect individuals.

Chp 4. Shared Language

Chapter 4 seeks to understand the ethics of knowing and the importance of a shared vocabulary to discuss and identify racialized design.

Chp 5. Anti-Oppressive Interventions

Chapter 5 provides users of the framework with the opportunity to further understand how design perpetuates and reinforces the status quo.

Chp 6. A Collective Liberatory Future

Chapter 6 explains how to effectively engage in the work of critically assessing, analyzing, and reimagining racialized design

Racism Untaught Podcast


Purchase the Racism Untaught Toolkit

The Racism Untaught Toolkit consists of a framework that uses the design research process—context, define, prototype, ideate, and impact—to identify racialized design and critically assess antiracist design approaches in educational and organizational settings. This toolkit is for educators, students, and organizations interested in uncovering design that perpetuates elements of racism and are willing to create artifacts, systems, and/or experiences that promote approaches toward collective liberation. Visit Blackbird Revolt to see your buying options.

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